MANILA – A vibrant, fiesta-like atmosphere took over the Quirino Grandstand on the penultimate day of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing period for the 2025 national and local elections.
On the seventh day of the COC filing, as early as 8 a.m., the grandstand was teeming with enthusiastic supporters of senatorial and party-list aspirants, braving the elements to cheer for their candidates or accompany them to the Manila Hotel Tent City, the official COC filing venue.
Among the most prominent was Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, whose supporters gave him a grand send-off.
A sea of blue greeted him at the grandstand, with followers waving tarpaulins and placards bearing his image.
Two marching bands, dancers, and booming speakers kept the energy high as his supporters sang his campaign theme song.
Abalos was then escorted by his supporters to the venue entrance.
Similarly, retired Colonel Ariel Querubin made a strong entrance, flanked by his own marching band and a throng of backers, including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who expressed support for the Medal of Valor awardee.
Incumbent Senator Bong Revilla also enjoyed a warm reception. His supporters filled the grandstand to cheer him on, even accompanying him to the COC filing venue.
After filing his COC, Revilla returned to greet his supporters once again.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Akbayan Party-list’s first nominee, was sent off with a teal-themed parade featuring youth, LGBTQIA+ groups, and other communities.
A group supporting former Senator Bam Aquino, who is aiming for a Senate return, cheered on Diokno when he arrived.
Supporters of Manibela Chairperson Mar Valbuena, many of whom were jeepney drivers, also gathered at the grandstand.
In a show of solidarity, the drivers refrained from plying their routes to back Valbuena’s senatorial bid, holding a program similar to their past transport strike demonstrations while awaiting his arrival.
Supporters of other aspirants, such as former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, 1Munti Party-list, OFW Party-list, and PamilyaKo Party-list, also made their presence felt.
Meanwhile, Bagong Pilipinas Party-list supporters kept spirits high by organizing a Zumba session.
Despite the large number of groups converging at the Quirino Grandstand, authorities reported no untoward incidents.
Police reminded supporters that they could only accompany their candidates up to the front of the Ermita Police Station before returning to the grandstand.
The Commission on Elections expects an even larger turnout of aspirants and their supporters on the final day of COC filing, scheduled for Tuesday, October 8.